Proverbs 16:13

Modern

Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

Traditional

Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

Literal

Lips of righteousness are the delight of kings, and one speaking uprightly he loves.

Latin

Voluntas regum labia justa; qui recta loquitur diligetur.

Hebrew

English

Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.

These proverbs assume a wise and godly king (see Isaiah 9:6–7). Many of Israel’s kings loved wrongdoing and hated truth, like Ahab in 1 Kings 21.

This series of sayings reflects on the king, who symbolizes God's power on Earth.

Proverbs 14:35
A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.
Proverbs 22:11
He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
Psalm 101:5–7
Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.